Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

oscar-jaylen

oscar-jaylen

Member
Am I holding my DVX wrong? I don't know how else to hold it except through the strap that it came with but my hand, just between my right wrist and pinky finger, hurts. I've tried to adjust the strap but it doesn't help. Any suggestions?
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

I think you definitely need to get a shoulder mount, like the DVRigPro on the high end or the MightyWonderCam on the low end.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

One Word: Tripod

Pick one up and take the stress off that hand ;D.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

[quote author=Oscar-Jaylen link=board=Events;num=1104623806;start=0#4 date=01/01/05 at 17:07:24]Nope no kidding, pookie. I may have to get a shoulder mount... [/quote]


In that case, consider this:

http://www.tiffen.com/steady_stick.htm

It might be more practical than a shoulder mount, as you have trouble with the weight, it keeps it off your shoulders.
With a shoulder mount, you'restill going to hold the weight of the camera, plus part of the weight of the shoulder mount.
Shoulder mounts aren't really intended to lighten the load, but to make the shots more stable.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

I got one of those a couple of years ago, and it helps enormously with the ability to go all day with the camera.  It takes all the weight off your shoulders and back, and rests it on a relatively steady "pod" - your hip.

It's not intended to stabilize the shot, so much as it is to remove the weight.  As Pookie said, it's kind of the opposite of a shoulder mount, which isn't intended to lighten the load but instead to provide more stability.  You do get some more stability with the Steady Stick as well, but it's not anything at all like a GlideCam type of device... it provides some stability but primarily it gets the weight off your back & shoulders.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

I wasn't necessarily looking for something to stabilize the camera... just something to sort of alleviate the pain in my hand when I'm holding the camera for an extended amount of time. This is great info! Thanks guys!
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

Are you able to carry ( support) the camera a bit more with your other hand while shooting. My DVX is fairly heavy when fully rigged with mattebox , rails and mic etc so I use my lefthand under the base of the camera and it does most of the support work.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

Th DVRigPro takes the weight off because it has a center support that fits into the waist belt also.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

Sometime I have the same problem shooting sport events hanheld..

I use my other hand to support the DVX as I use the manual focus ring... It alleviate the weight from my right hand.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

for handheld operating i always recommend (consider you don't have a any od the shoulder mount rigs) -- holding the camera with one or two hands in front and away of your body, will not work imo. keep the camera "attached" to your body, either by contacting the eye cup to your forhead/eye, or simply bring the camera closer to your body. it's a way better balance, good for your back and for the overall operating.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

small cams like the DVX, PD, etc are not confortable to operate for a long time, I did a training video hand shooting for 3 days in many locations, but each scene was recorded in no more than 5 minutes and probably 10-15 minutes to start the next scene... but I recommend a shoulder support and handgrip for long shots

ulisses
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

Besides all the tools suggested here I'd say, Exercsie!

I know this sounds flip but pro camera operators, especially steadicam ops, need to be fit so they work out.

It takes coordinated muscle control just like any sport or craft would reqiure.

Craftsmen develop physical skill & strength through repetitive practice and find ways to do it with relative ease. Watch any journeyman vs. a novice in any occupation and there will be a notable difference in the subtlties that come with time.

Sometimes a craft requires pain. Take ballet, these dancers make it look so easy & graceful, but sometimes they're in terrible pain, and that's just what it takes to do the art, so they do it because they are passionate about their art.

While this isn't the answer for us...it better not be!, we do have to ramp up and become fit for hire. :'(
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

I get hand pains too. Mainly on the side of the palm where my pinky is.

I think it's because of the way the strap is angled. My hands aren't very big, so it slips all the way through most the time.

I am thinking about getting one of those mounts that are adjustable, and you kind of hold it like a shotgun. Where this foam piece hooks around the top of your shoulder. Then it has a single handle at the end.

Forgot the manufacturer.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

Although the various mounts and tripods are the best options. You can shoot from the handle and use the flip out monitor for better shooting. Just use the record button the handle as well. I rarely ever shoot with my hand through the strap.

I got me a DVRig Pro with a Zoe Zoom Controller and everything feels good now!
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

[quote author=WaveRiderXIX link=board=Events;num=1104623806;start=15#15 date=01/03/05 at 21:56:42]I get hand pains too. Mainly on the side of the palm where my pinky is.[/quote]

Yep. That's EXACTLY where my pain is...

Guess what? I got a monopod and it's great! All the stability of a tripod (when fully extended) yet very mobile and easy to hold (extended or not)! I'd recommend this, WaveRiderXIX. A monopod!
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

[quote author=Oscar-Jaylen link=board=Events;num=1104623806;start=15#17 date=01/05/05 at 19:26:50]


Guess what? I got a monopod and it's great! All the stability of a tripod (when fully extended) yet very mobile and easy to hold (extended or not)! I'd recommend this, WaveRiderXIX. A monopod![/quote]

I am happy the suggestion helped...it has been a great relief for me as well...specially on foreign tours which I have to undertake quite extensively.
 
Re: Handheld Problem - My Hand Hurts

I'm still new to this so it didn't even cross my mind... thanks for the suggestion, Aejaz! I got my monopod at a local Pro-Photo shop for $25. Used, but it works great!
 
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